WCRIS met this week with the Department of Health Services (DHS) to review the state’s plan for vaccines for K-12 private school staff, who are eligible for vaccines March 1.
Officials said the barrier to widespread vaccines is that the state is not getting a sufficient supply from the federal government. Wisconsin is getting 70,000 doses a week. The 1b eligibility group, which includes private K-12 school staff, has over 1 million people, officials said.
“Unfortunately we don’t have a vaccine for every educator when the calendar turns to March 1,” said Ruth Sullivan, DHS Deputy Director of the COVID-19 Response Team, in a meeting with WCRIS Monday (2/4/21).
So, it’s going to take time to get a vaccine. Patience is urged. DHS believes all educators will be vaccinated by early summer, Sullivan said.
In the meantime, Sullivan said, school leaders should contact their local public health department and get connected so things are in order when the vaccines arrive. DHS has been encouraging the county and city health departments to connect with private schools.
